He breathes out heavily and smiles, looking back at me. “Ditto,” he says, patting me on the chest, being careful to avoid the wetness on my stomach.

I close my eyes as Nathaniel sneaks away to the bathroom to clean himself off and to grab me a towel, returning to wipe me clean.

“That was…” I begin. He looks at me, anticipating my words. “The best.” I finish.

A smile washes over his face as he nods. “Good. I liked it too.”

“Let me do it to you.” I roll to my side, looking up at him. I'm so excited to share this with him. Maybe we can take turns. All night long.

“Yeah, okay,” he chuckles. “Let’s see what all that moaning was about.”

“Lay back and be amazed.” I sigh, completely blissed out. I’m so ready to show him how incredible he made me feel. It’d be even better with some assistance. I remember what I was supposed to check earlier. “Hey, I think I may have a bottle of lube in my bag. Check in the side pocket of my duffle bag.” I roll onto my back and tuck my hands beneath my head as I wait.

My eyes snap open as I remember something very important.

Oh shit.

I didn’t tell him which side pocket of my duffle bag.

“Wait—” I call out.

But I’m too late. I sit up and look at him across the room.

There he is. Standing there with wide eyes and parted lips.

Holding a little black box with Sarah’s engagement ring.

24

nathan

My heart slams against my chest. After what we just did…what we just shared…this is the last thing I thought I was going to see.

I stare down at the object in my hand—a small velvet box.

No. No fucking way. A wedding ring? Was Caleb—?

“Holy shit,” I whisper. It’s the only words I can manage to get out. The realization punching the air out of my lungs. This is for Sarah. It has to be.

“Nathaniel, listen—” Caleb jumps off the bed like he’s been caught doing something illegal. He scrambles into his black shorts and rushes toward me.

How fucking weird of a situation is this? I’m standing here…naked as all hell from hooking up with my ex-bestfriend who’s about to propose to my ex-girlfriend. Pardon, our ex-girlfriend. While I’m pretty sure I’m falling for him… does it still count as falling if I think I already fell a long time ago? I’ve already pitched a tent and kicked down the 'For Sale' sign where I landed. I’m completely done for.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” I mutter, stepping back.

I glance around the room, searching for my own shorts. I can’t have this conversation half-naked.

“No, you don’t understand. Yes—I came here to propose to Sarah, but—”

I slip my shorts on and stand up to look at him. Really look. His eyes are wide, desperate, pleading for something I don’t know if I can give.